Hiking the Figure 8 Loop in Bryce Canyon is a perfect way to explore many of the best sights in Bryce Canyon National Park.
With its turrets of orange rock, otherwise known as hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is reminiscent of something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Walking through Bryce Canyon, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet or a fairytale land filled with life-sized sand castles. It’s absolutely magical and awe-inspiring.
The best way to see the highlights of Bryce Canyon is to hike the Figure 8 Loop. This loop takes you on a full tour of the canyon, combining 4 shorter trails into one larger loop that is perfect for anyone hoping to soak up every possible view of this magical place.
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Figure 8 Loop Hike | Bryce Canyon
Figure 8 Loop | At a Glance
- Hiking distance | 6.3 miles
- Elevation gain | 1600 feet
- Estimated time | 3-4 hours
- Difficulty | Moderate
- Crowd levels | Medium
- Fees | $35 per car pass that is valid for 7 days. You can also purchase an annual US National Parks Pass for $80
- Why you’ll love it | Bryce Canyon is unlike anywhere else in the world and the Figure 8 loop is the best hike in Bryce Canyon
- Trailhead & Road Conditions | Two possible trailheads (Sunrise Point and Sunset Point) both easily accessed via paved roads within the park.
- When to go | During the summer, between May and September. In the late spring and early fall, snow storms are possible which may cause trail closures.
Figure 8 Loop Map
The Figure 8 loop joins together several smaller trails, as displayed on the map below.
You have the option to take either side of the Navajo Loop trail, although we recommend the left/south trail to see Bryce Canyon’s famous Wall Street. We started our hike with the Queen’s Garden Trail from Sunrise Point, but you can easily reverse the direction and start with the Navajo Loop Trail from Sunset Point.
Queen’s Garden (1 way)
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 320 feet (descent)
Peekaboo Loop
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation: 950 feet
Navajo Loop Trail
Distance: 0.9 mile (Wallstreet Side)
Elevation: 550 feet
Rim Trail (Sunrise Point to Sunset Point)
Distance: 0.5 Mile
Elevation: nearly flat
Figure 8 Loop | Trail Guide
Getting to the trailhead
There are two possible starting trailheads for the Figure 8 Loop hike:
The trailheads are connected via a flat, easy 0.5-mile hike along the rim trail. We recommend starting from Sunrise Point and hiking clockwise to avoid descending the steep, winding switchbacks of Wall Street, and to save one of the most iconic spots in Bryce Canyon for last.
Parking at Sunrise or Sunset Point
Beware that the parking lots for both trailheads fill up quickly, so arrive early if you plan to drive yourself.
Otherwise, you may take the Bryce Canyon park shuttle which begins operating at 8:00 AM. The parking lot at Sunset Point is slightly larger than Sunrise Point, so you may have an easier time finding parking there.
Queen’s Garden Trail
From Sunrise Point, pickup the Queen’s Garden trail and begin descending into Bryce Canyon.
Immediately you will be wowed by the unique landscape. With every twist and turn, there are hoodoos of every shape and style. About half a mile in, you will reach Queen Victoria, a large hoodoo after which the trail is named.
At 1.5 miles into the hike, you will reach an intersection. Take a left to head towards the Peekaboo Loop. Continue for another 0.3 miles before reaching the start of the Peekaboo Loop.
Peekaboo Loop
When you start Peekaboo Loop, you have the option to begin either to the left or the right. We recommend starting to the left, for the best views of the Wall of Windows. The loop starts out almost immediately with a steep incline for the first half a mile, until you reach the Peekaboo Arch.
The Wall of Windows
At 3.4 miles into the hike, you will come upon the Wall of Windows, a magnificent wall of hoodoos that range from light to dark orange, resembling a series of drip castles with two “windows” peering through.
Navajo Loop Trail
After taking the 0.3 mile connector trail following the Peekaboo loop, you will again reach an intersection. Here you want to take a sharp left to continue onto the Navajo Loop Trail towards Sunset Point. The Navajo Loop trail also continues straight ahead, but the trail to the left will take you past Bryce’s famous Wall Street.
Wall Street
From the start of the Navajo Loop trail, it’s only about 0.7 miles back to the rim, but be prepared for steep switchbacks.
With about 0.3 miles to the rim, you will reach Wall Street, where the switchbacks begin. Luckily, this section is so short that the steep climb will be over in no time! Plus, the views from Wall Street are absolutely incredible. It’s certainly one of the most iconic spots in Bryce Canyon!
Sunset Point to Sunrise Point
The final half a mile is an easy flat walk along the Rim Trail from Sunset Point back to Sunrise Point, where you started the hike.
Figure 8 Loop | FAQs
How difficult is the Figure 8 Loop hike?
While this hike isn’t especially long, please keep in mind that it is a reverse summit, meaning you first hike down into the canyon. Make sure that you save enough energy to get back to the top at the end, and be prepared with plenty of extra water.
How do I get to Bryce Canyon?
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah. It’s conveniently located about an hour and a half from Zion National Park, 1.5 hours from Kanab, Utah, and just under 3 hours from Page, Arizona.
If you are planning to arrive by plane, your best bet is to fly into Las Vegas, rent a car, and then drive about 4 hours to the park.
This Figure 8 Loop hike is located inside Bryce Canyon National Park, so you’ll have to purchase a $35 per car pass that is valid for 7 days. You also have the option to purchase an annual US National Parks Pass for $80, which is worthwhile if you plan to visit 3 or more national parks over the next year.
When is the best time to hike the Figure 8 Loop?
The best time to hike in Bryce Canyon is during the summer, between May and September. In the late spring and early fall, snow storms are possible which may cause trail closures.
Due to icy trail conditions, the Navajo Loop trail is typically closed in the winter through late March. If both sides of the Navajo Loop trail are closed, you will have to hike back to Sunrise Point via the Queen’s Garden Trail.
We hiked in late March and some of the trails, including the Navajo Loop, were still closed due to snow. Additionally, parts of the Peekaboo loop were still covered in several inches of snow making the trail slippery in spots. We wore microspikes and recommend doing the same if you are planning to hike in March or April.
The canyon is typically several degrees warmer inside than at the rim, so prepare accordingly. Please be aware that during the summer, thunderstorms are frequent and very dangerous inside the canyon.
Other Utah Resources
Planning a trip to Utah? Check out these resources for more incredible hikes and inspiration for your visit!
We hope you enjoy hiking in this magical place as much as we did! Please feel free to reach out with any questions about the Figure 8 Loop or the Bryce Canyon trails.
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